In this post we turn our eyes away from Pennsylvania and toward the federal government. There are 18 important races happening across our state this fall for seats in the US congress, though the one for our senate seat is getting all the attention nationwide. Here’s what you need to know going into the booth to decide who will represent us in Washington DC.
The top seat in Pennsylvania’s government is up for grabs as Tom Wolf reaches the end of his second term. In this post, we take a look at the responsibilities of our governor, as well as some authority that the legislature removed with constitutional amendments last year. Those amendments will likely be impacting the Lieutenant Governor’s role too, in one way or another.
Election season is upon us once again. With five (or fewer) weeks to get ready, I’m sharing my latest research on this year’s general election in Pennsylvania, which boasts candidates of five parties. Not being a fan of parties myself (or the bias they can inflict on voters), I still thought it beneficial to review the general platforms for these groups. (Election spreadsheet included!)
Global plastics production is expected to quadruple by 2050, and that growth will require significantly more extraction of fossil fuels as feedstock. Doubling down on more fossil fuel extraction is the last thing that a warming, plastic-filled planet needs. Organizations across the world, from the United Nations to grassroots groups on the front lines are taking action to prevent the bad from getting worse.
The term “recycling” is a dangerous thing because of how it inaccurately shapes our perceptions around the plastic lifecycle. Most plastic put in the recycle bin doesn’t get recycled, but even the industrial process of “chemical recycling” doesn’t necessarily create a closed-loop plastic system. Instead, it can often fuel increased health risks for those living nearby, increasing global temperatures, and demand for additional plastic.
July has come once again, and with it a renewed commitment to limit single-use plastics through Plastic-Free July. The oil and gas industry has a renewed commitment to plastic as well, pushing harder for increased consumption of their product. With less than 10% of our plastic ever getting recycled, it becomes more apparent that plastic recycling was only ever a false promise and will not solve our problem.
Fireflies, lightning bugs, glow-worms… these are the insects that herald the beginning of summer. Whatever you may call them, they are declining in numbers globally. There are several factors threatening them, including climate change, habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticides. Here we will take a look at what researchers across the globe are doing to help illuminate the problem and take steps to reverse it.
I’ve always loved bats. They’re adorable and beneficial but often get a bad rap. With populations in rapid decline, there are few actions we can take, and one of them is adding a bat box… in certain situations. Following proper guidelines on size and placement can ensure a safe, comfortable place for bats to spend the summer (that doesn’t include your attic).
No Mow May is a new trend sweeping the yards of mindful (or lazy – I don’t judge) homeowners. Whether you decide to forgo mowing your lawn for the entire month of May, mow less often than usual, or sow seeds for grass alternatives in your lawn, there are valuable steps you can take to support biodiversity and feed pollinators in your yard.
White men have long dominated the brewing industry, making women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals feel unseen at best and unsafe at worst. The recent reckonings around sexism and racism in our society have impacted many aspects of our lives, including what we drink. This post sheds a light on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry.